I consider myself young. Okay, maybe young at heart. To any judgy, stick-firmly-planted-you-know-where folks who dare to think I’m nothing more than a foolish old coot, #%&*@ you! (I know, mature, right?) But when I’m within a 500-yard radius of our most recent podcast guest, Molly Yeh, I feel flat-out ancient. At a mere 24 years of age, Molly is a recent Juilliard graduate, accomplished percussionist, fantastic blogger, intrepid world traveler, inspired home cook, and superb host.

But not just any kind of host. Most of us can whip up dinner for six on the weekend without so much as breaking a sweat. Molly, on the other hand, throws ginormous salons for 50 or more guests in her Brooklyn apartment. Yes, salons, complete with musical performances, declamatory readings, fashion shows, and, it goes without saying, homemade eats whipped up by none other than herself. I’m sure if one of her hipster friends (and I say that in a truly unironic way) owned a boa constrictor, both friend and writhing death gripper would be in attendance. She’s just that kind of gal.

In our debut “Small Bites” segment–a shorter-than-usual episode of our podcast, “Talking With My Mouth Full” with just one guest, one topic, one take–Molly divulges her most bawdy moments from recent salons, her secret dumpling recipe inspired by an alehouse, and, should you be interested in throwing your own salon, her requisite rules for hostessing, including the right kind of people to invite (in her case, no one over 30).

When I attempted to charm her for an invitation [Editor’s Note: Uh, actually, he sorta invited himself…], Molly made it very clear that if I were invited (there’s that age thing again), I would need to participate in some sort of performance art. I suggested a dance of veils to a hip-hop-Indian-arrhythmic-percussive accompaniment of hers. Of course, I had to explain that I’d need more than seven veils to cover me. Fifty or so would probably do—a veil for every one of my very young-at-heart years. [Editor’s Note: 52, to be exact.]

Hungry for more? Chow down on these:

Comments

Wow! This is a performance party where you only get to be a spectator while you wait for your turn to do something. I didn’t realize it until now but when my husband and I were married, our reception could have been considered a salon, of sorts! Married in a very remote area of the Philippines, there was no available entertainment except for what the invitees offered as relief…and a tape recorder. (I’m older that you, David, by a decade!) Everyone performed a song, dance, or recitation for us, the bride and groom. It was the best time I’ve ever experienced! We also had to add to the occasion, beside just the food and drink; it was not pretty. But then, that was part of the fun, nobody was a professional but all contributed with whatever (meager/good) talents that they possessed. I’ve since concluded that the best parties include something to do by all attendees. So much more fun than just standing around talking about…nothing!

Susan, you’re a downright pioneer in salon throwing! What a great way to start your life together: All the people you love being silly and having fun for your enjoyment. You must have some beloved family and friends. I know whenever I try to sing, The One cringes. While it wounds me to my very core, I still sing away. If he could only hear me like I hear me….

Amy, I have a hunch that you’re right about throwing a salon—it seems both overwhelming and also unforgettably fun! I say do it—I’ve never regretted anything I’ve done that required a lot of effort, I’ve only regretted those things that I spent a lot of time debating but then in the end just sort of decided not to do. Let us know how we can help! We love putting together menus, maybe we can help with that, perhaps that would make things seem less overwhelming…?

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